Abstract. The ab initio symmetry-adapted no-core shell model is a first-principle framework, which can now expand the reach of the ab initio theory, by exploiting approximate symmetries found to dominate in atomic nuclei, namely, the deformation related SU(3) and its embedding symplectic Sp(3,R) symmetry. This allows one to achieve nuclear descriptions, including the emergence of collective modes and α-capture reactions, starting from the properties of two or three nucleons often tied to the symmetry patterns of quark and gluon dynamics. Furthermore, one can utilize the symplectic Sp(3,R) symmetry to identify equilibrium deformation, rotational bands and giant-resonance modes.